how to fix windows media player

ZC Z 20 Reputation points
2026-05-30T08:34:14.4633333+00:00

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this problem didn't happen before, don't know what i can do to solve it. Used Get Help but no use.

all the videos can be played in Films and TV, but not in media player

Windows for home | Other | Music, photos, and video

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  1. AI answer

    2026-05-30T08:34:36.9733333+00:00

    Because the videos play correctly in Films & TV but not in Windows Media Player, the issue is most likely with codecs or a damaged Windows Media Player database/installation.

    Try these steps on Windows 10/11:

    1. Check file compatibility and codecs
      • Make sure the file type is supported by Windows Media Player (for example: MP3, WAV, WMA, AVI, WMV).
      • If the file type is supported but still fails, install/update codecs: download and install a codec pack that includes the required codec (for example, K‑Lite Codec Pack or CCCP), or follow the guidance in the codec troubleshooting section.
    2. Reset the Windows Media Player library and cache
      • Open Windows Media Player, press Ctrl + M to show the menu bar.
      • Select Tools > Advanced > Restore Media Library.
      • Then clear cache: Tools > Options > Privacy, under History select Clear History, then OK.
    3. Clear the Windows Media Player database manually
      • Close Windows Media Player.
      • Press Windows + R, type:
        %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Media Player\ and press Enter.
      • Delete all files in that folder (do not delete the folder itself).
      • Start Windows Media Player again and test playback.
    4. Update drivers and Windows
      • Update audio and graphics drivers from Device Manager or the PC/sound‑card/GPU manufacturer’s site.
      • Install the latest Windows updates from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    5. Run the Windows Media Player troubleshooter
      • On Windows 11: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, run Windows Media Player.
      • On Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, run Windows Media Player.
    6. Repair or reset Windows Media Player
      • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
      • Find Windows Media Player, select the three dots, choose Advanced options.
      • Select Repair. If that does not help, select Reset (this removes custom settings but not media files).
    7. Reinstall Windows Media Player
      • Open Control Panel > Programs.
      • Select Turn Windows features on or off.
      • Clear the check box for Media Features, select OK, and restart the PC.
      • Go back to the same dialog, check Media Features, select OK, and restart again.

    If the problem persists after these steps, use Films & TV (or another player) for the affected files, as they may rely on encoding that Windows Media Player cannot support even with additional codecs.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  2. DaveM121 939.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-30T09:11:46.44+00:00

    1

    Is this problem occurring with all media files, or just that one specific file?

    Right click that file and select Properties.

    Please provide a screenshot of the General Tab and also the Details tab on the resulting Properties dialog box.

    2

    Is this problem only occurring in the old Legacy Windows Media Player and you are able to open that same file in the Films and TV app or new Media Player app?

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    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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